Five German Handball Teams Secure Spots in Expanded Champions League
The upcoming season of the European Handball Champions League will see a significant increase in German participation, as five teams from Germany have secured places in the competition. This development follows an expansion of the tournament, which will now feature 24 teams in the men's division, up from the previous 16. The European Handball Federation (EHF) has confirmed these changes, which are set to take effect from the 2026/27 season.
For the men's competition, three Bundesliga teams will take part: SC Magdeburg, Füchse Berlin, and MT Melsungen. SC Magdeburg enters as reigning national champions, while Füchse Berlin claims their position as Bundesliga runners-up. MT Melsungen earned their place by winning the European League, marking a significant achievement for the club and providing an additional German presence in the tournament.
On the women's side, two German teams will compete in the Champions League. HSG Blomberg-Lippe, fresh off their domestic triumph, and Borussia Dortmund will represent Germany. Their inclusion reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of German women's handball at the European level.
The expansion of the men's Champions League to 24 teams allows not only Germany, but also other strong handball nations such as France and Denmark, to send three representatives each. This broader field aims to enhance the competitiveness of the tournament and provide more clubs with the opportunity to compete at the highest level in European handball. The EHF anticipates that the new format will increase international interest and raise the profile of the sport across the continent.
The draw for the group stages is scheduled to take place on Friday morning in Vienna, where the EHF headquarters are located. The group allocation will determine the initial matchups and travel schedules for the participating teams. Organizers expect a diverse mix of clubs from various European leagues, setting the stage for a series of high-profile encounters as the season unfolds.
The men's Champions League campaign will commence with its opening fixtures on September 5th and 6th. The women's tournament will follow shortly after, beginning on September 9th and 10th. Both competitions are expected to feature a demanding schedule, testing the depth and consistency of squads as they compete for a place in the knockout rounds and, ultimately, the title of European champions.
This expanded format is part of a broader strategy by the EHF to promote handball internationally and foster a more inclusive competition structure. By allowing more teams from different countries to participate, the federation hopes to stimulate the development of the sport and encourage investment in clubs and youth programs. For German handball, the opportunity to field five teams simultaneously in Europe's premier club competition is seen as an important milestone and reflects the current strength of the domestic leagues.
Club officials from the participating German teams have expressed optimism about their prospects in the tournament. With additional spots available, teams that previously would have competed in secondary European competitions now have the chance to challenge for the continent's top honors. The chance to face some of Europe's best clubs is expected to provide valuable experience for players and coaching staff, as well as increased exposure for sponsors and fans alike.
As anticipation builds for the new season, attention now turns to the draw and the preparations of the German clubs as they gear up to compete against Europe's elite. The expanded Champions League format promises a more dynamic and unpredictable competition, with German teams well-positioned to make a significant impact.